An unidentified 29-year-old Kailua-Kona man recently died in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Palani Road and Kealakaa Street in North Kona.

On June 19, responding officers concluded that a black 2023 Yamaha XTZ690 was traveling north when it overtook several vehicles on Palani Road prior to the crash. The motorcycle was then observed disregarding a red stop light and drove between two stopped vehicles at the intersection.  The motorcycle clipped a silver 2006 Nissan Frontier pickup truck that was being operated by a 59-year-old Kailua-Kona man.  After clipping the Nissan pickup, the rider was ejected from the motorcycle and struck a utility pole.  The rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police believe speed was a factor in the crash.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at 326-4646 ext. 229 or via email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov.